Gateway:Low Emission Development Strategies

Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) enable countries to transition to low-carbon economic development. LEDS result in sustained growth in employment, investment, financial flows through carbon markets, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and other social, economic, and environmental benefits. This website provides an introductory course and reference materials designed to equip policymakers and low emission development practitioners with an understanding of the LEDS process and its benefits, and support the creation and implementation of country-driven, analytically rigorous LEDS. The materials provided in this gateway will enable policymakers and LEDS practitioners to:

Explain the key concepts behind low emission development as a vehicle for promoting green growth and increased economic productivity;

Define LEDS and explain their importance;

Identify and describe in detail all key elements of LEDS; and

Facilitate discussions on LEDS with policymakers from a broad spectrum of regional, national, and local institutions.

The resources here are designed to help you create your own LEDS. We've assembled several LEDS toolkits and resources linked to your right. A sample process for developing a LEDS based on proven best practices is depicted in the diagram to your left. Click on the diagram to navigate through the site. Start with the overview of the LEDS process, or go directly to one of the five major process phases: